FYI -- I have been reading this series totally out of order but that is the talent of Beth Andrews and her stories -- they all manage to capture your interest and engage the reader whether or not the characters are familiar or newly introduced. Amazing.

It's all about the art of communication -- actually communication skills. Words are very important. They can bring you joy, make you smile but just as easily can cut you to the quick.

Eddie Montesano learned early on that people and especially children judge harshly and being the target of labels set the stage for much of his youth and unfortunately carried over to adulthood. Quiet seemingly shy with just one exception -- whatever concerned his seven year old son Max's welfare. Eddie's ex-wife and Max's mother Lena left them both several years ago more anxious to build herself a career then a family. But Eddie was all about family and luckily had a strong support group.

Eddie was comfortable with the path his life had taken -- what use was it to complain. It was safe but what he really needed and what Max needed was to be challenged. But challenge brought with it the possibility of failure and neither father nor son faced failure well in school and as it turns out in life.

Harper as Max's teacher was concerned about this rather taciturn young boy. So she sets up a meeting. When Harper meets Eddie she begins to suspect that father and son share many character traits.

But what she fails to immediately understand is that the reason behind these habits is sadly the same. Eddie struggled with school and is determined to spare Max any humiliation from being singled out or labeled. So he does what he thinks is best -- gears up to fight the system. His immediate challenge is to get Harper on his side. What he fails to comprehend is that Harper is on Max's side.

No matter how close Eddie and Harper get there is a world of words that separate them. Harper ready with a steady stream of conversation as opposed to Eddie who shrugs. Harper, a young widow, is surprised that she is open to the possibilities of a new life for herself and her two year old daughter Cassidy. She is even more surprised to find herself attracted to this quiet man. Harper and Cassidy have a great capacity for love. Eddie and Max need a good strong dose of that but it would require a huge leap of faith.

For someone who has mastered speaking in grunts and shrugs Eddie actually touches Harper each time he puts his thoughts into words. He is direct and insightful. Eddie speaks his mind and Harper is amazed at how turned on she is by this man who is by all rights her opposite. Harper was in short charmed -- as was her little girl -- go know. Ultimately it is a case of what you don't say that can sabotage a relationship. Once again with the right words said from the heart -- all things are possible.

In CAUGHT UP IN YOU Beth Andrews manages to integrate several stories that connect seamlessly. Andrews pens a beautiful tale of hope, love and opening your eyes and heart to possibilities. Learning to live again after life altering events -- most important the lesson that life goes on. Andrews lovingly illustrates with words and candid dialog how the heart can mend. I don't know how you can possibly avoid falling absolutely in love with the stars of this well written - at times heart wrenching look at life according to one of my favorites Beth Andrews.

Book Summary